In a Super Eights encounter impacted by rain on Sunday, South Africa defeated the West Indies by three wickets to advance to the T20 World Cup semi-finals and eliminate the hosts.
South Africa faltered to 110-7 when Roston Chase claimed three wickets in their chase of a revised 123 off 17 overs, but they managed to reach their mark when Marco Jansen struck the opening ball of the last over for six.
At the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, South Africa won the toss and held the West Indies to 135-8 thanks to a performance by player of the match Tabraiz Shamsi, who finished with 3-27.
After combining with Kyle Mayers (35 off 34 balls) for an 81-run stand at the third wicket, all-rounder Chase top scored with 52 and gave the West Indies hope by taking 3-12 with his off-spin.
When Jansen hit the last six off Obed McCoy, the Proteas won 124-7 thanks to his undefeated 21.
“I scored fifty runs here the last time I played, and there was a lot of conversation going on,” Shamsi remarked.
“I was excited to return and play my part, but I also have to give credit to the guys who bowled before me; they did a fantastic job setting everything up.”
The left-arm wrist-spinner, who was brought in to replace seamer Ottneil Baartman, received great assistance from captain Aiden Markram (1-28) and fellow slow bowler Keshav Maharaj (1-24).
Anrich Nortje dropped Chase on eleven, but he took advantage of the situation, hitting three fours and twice cleared the ropes.
After the hosts lost by five runs in the second over, his collaboration with Mayers enabled them to rally.
After Mayers was out for a sliced catch at deep cover by Shamsi, South Africa was able to contain the West Indies thanks to a succession of wickets.
With the score at 117-6, Nortje atoned for his previous miscue by running out the lethal Andre Russell, who had blasted two sixes in his 15 off nine deliveries.
West Indies skipper Rovman Powell said, “We will do everything in our power to forget this batting performance.”
We had a respectable bowling performance. The lads truly gave it their all to protect that total when we indicated at the halfway point that we would give it everything we had.
During the frantic chase, winning captain Markram acknowledged feeling nervous.
“We’re not going to be brainwashed by that because we would have liked to be a lot more convincing,” he said, adding that he was relieved to have advanced to the semifinals.
“Perhaps we attempted to end the game prematurely, but thus far, that has been the competition’s narrative.
“We force ourselves into difficult situations, and we must fight to overcome them.” South Africa and England are the Super Eight Group 2 semi-final qualifiers.
